Abstract: Systems and methods described herein for storing primitive data for ray tracing and/or rasterization. The data is encoded efficiently into arrays of fixed-size data blocks using a data format which can be directly consumed for ray traversal or rasterization. Vertex data in a block is pre-quantized and stored using a fixed-bit quantization grid. Mesh connectivity is encoded using a triangle strips based on control values representing triangle interconnectivity, and a compressed index buffer storing indices for vertices in each strip. Further, triangle identifiers are derived from the triangle's position in the strip. The block can further store geometry identifiers and opacity maps corresponding to primitive data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ray intersection against primitives are described. Primitive data is encoded efficiently into arrays of fixed-size data blocks using a data format which can be directly consumed for ray traversal. Vertex data in a block is pre-quantized and stored using a fixed-bit quantization grid. Mesh connectivity is encoded using a triangle strips based on control values representing triangle interconnectivity, and a compressed index buffer storing indices for vertices in each strip. Primitives can alternatively be quantized to generate primitive packets, that are stored compactly in, with, or near a leaf node of an acceleration structure. Low-precision intersection testers test a ray simultaneously against primitives to find candidate triangles that require full-precision intersection. Primitives that generate an inconclusive result during low-precision testing are retested using full-precision testers to definitively determine ray-triangle hits or misses.

Abstract: This disclosure presents methods and systems of controlling a counter flow double pipe heat exchanger (DPHE) that includes a hot fluid pipe and a cold fluid pipe. In a method, a temperature error between a reference temperature and a temperature at an outlet of the hot fluid pipe of the counter flow DPHE is determined. A cold fluid mass flow rate is determined from an output of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller based on the temperature error being input to the PID controller. The cold fluid mass flow rate is used for a cold fluid in the cold fluid pipe of the counter flow DPHE. The temperature error is controlled within a predefined range by utilizing parameters of the PID controller that are set by using a harmony search algorithm (HSA) to obtain a minimization of a cost function.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a conduit having an interior surface, and a flow control device connected to the interior surface of the conduit and disposed along the interior surface of the conduit for a first length. The flow control device includes an expandable element that expands inwardly from the interior surface, from a retracted position to an expanded position. The expandable element defines at least a portion of a flow path configured to control a flow of fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing data quality is provided. The method comprising determining, by a rule engine, a number of critical data points in a number of different software modules. A classifier is identified based on a data type of the critical data points, and the classifier is bound to the critical data points. The classifier scans the critical data points for anomality to verify an ability to correctly process the critical data points. A data quality report is generated based on the scan and displayed to an end user in a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A supernumerary robotic limb (SRL) system can include a plurality of rigid links, a joint that connects one rigid link to another rigid link in the plurality of rigid arms, and two variable stiffness actuators (VSAs) configured to drive the plurality of rigid links in order to complete at least one task. The VSAs can exhibit infinite rotation and infinite stiffness. The VSAs can include an output link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a set of elastic elements mounted on the output link. The VSAs can include an input link configured to provide kinetic energy for the output link. The VSAs can include a dynamic chassis configured to connect with the input link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a stiffness adjustor included in the dynamic chassis and configured to adjust an elastic transmission between at least one elastic element of the set of elastic elements and the output link.

Abstract: A method of making a bimetallic nanoalloy composite includes mixing and dissolving a nickel salt, a cobalt salt, and an aromatic carboxylic acid in a first solvent to form a first mixture; mixing acetic acid with the first mixture and heating at a temperature of 150 to 200 degrees Celsius (° C.) form a second mixture; washing the second mixture with at least one organic solvent and drying to form a bimetallic metal-organic framework (CoNiBTC); heating the CoNiBTC at a temperature of 600 to 900° C. under a nitrogen stream to form a pyrolyzed composite; and cooling the pyrolyzed composite and exposing to a gas mixture to form the bimetallic nanoalloy composite. A method of making a benzimidazole compound. A method of making methane from CO2.

Abstract: A supernumerary robotic limb (SRL) system can include a plurality of rigid links, a joint that connects one rigid link to another rigid link in the plurality of rigid arms, and two variable stiffness actuators (VSAs) configured to drive the plurality of rigid links in order to complete at least one task. The VSAs can exhibit infinite rotation and infinite stiffness. The VSAs can include an output link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a set of elastic elements mounted on the output link. The VSAs can include an input link configured to provide kinetic energy for the output link. The VSAs can include a dynamic chassis configured to connect with the input link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a stiffness adjustor included in the dynamic chassis and configured to adjust an elastic transmission between at least one elastic element of the set of elastic elements and the output link.

Abstract: A method for chemically reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) with a red mud catalyst composition is provided includes introducing a gaseous mixture of CO2 and H2 into a reactor containing particles of the red mud catalyst composition. The method further includes reacting at least a portion of the CO2 and H2 in the gaseous mixture in the presence of the red mud catalyst composition at a temperature of 200 to 800° C., and under a pressure ranging from 5 to 100 bar to form a gaseous product including a chemical reduction product of the CO2. A volume ratio of the CO2 to the H2 in the gaseous mixture is in a range of 1:10 to 10:1.

Abstract: A method for chemically reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) with a red mud catalyst composition is provided includes introducing a gaseous mixture of CO2 and H2 into a reactor containing particles of the red mud catalyst composition. The method further includes reacting at least a portion of the CO2 and H2 in the gaseous mixture in the presence of the red mud catalyst composition at a temperature of 200 to 800° C., and under a pressure ranging from 5 to 100 bar to form a gaseous product including a chemical reduction product of the CO2. A volume ratio of the CO2 to the H2 in the gaseous mixture is in a range of 1:10 to 10:1.

Abstract: A method for chemically reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) with a red mud catalyst composition is provided includes introducing a gaseous mixture of CO2 and H2 into a reactor containing particles of the red mud catalyst composition. The method further includes reacting at least a portion of the CO2 and H2 in the gaseous mixture in the presence of the red mud catalyst composition at a temperature of 200 to 800°° C., and under a pressure ranging from 5 to 100 bar to form a gaseous product including a chemical reduction product of the CO2. A volume ratio of the CO2 to the H2 in the gaseous mixture is in a range of 1:10 to 10:1.

Abstract: A method for chemically reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) with a red mud catalyst composition is provided includes introducing a gaseous mixture of CO2 and H2 into a reactor containing particles of the red mud catalyst composition. The method further includes reacting at least a portion of the CO2 and H2 in the gaseous mixture in the presence of the red mud catalyst composition at a temperature of 200 to 800° C., and under a pressure ranging from 5 to 100 bar to form a gaseous product including a chemical reduction product of the CO2. A volume ratio of the CO2 to the H2 in the gaseous mixture is in a range of 1:10 to 10:1.

Abstract: A method for chemically reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) with a red mud catalyst composition is provided includes introducing a gaseous mixture of CO2 and H2 into a reactor containing particles of the red mud catalyst composition. The method further includes reacting at least a portion of the CO2 and H2 in the gaseous mixture in the presence of the red mud catalyst composition at a temperature of 200 to 800° C., and under a pressure ranging from 5 to 100 bar to form a gaseous product including a chemical reduction product of the CO2. A volume ratio of the CO2 to the H2 in the gaseous mixture is in a range of 1:10 to 10:1.

Abstract: A control arrangement that includes an inductor of small inductance and having an input side and an output side, the input side being connected to an input line connected, in use, to an output from a power supply, and the output side being connected to an output line connected, in use, to a load. A switched capacitor arrangement is located at the input side of the inductor, the switched capacitor arrangement being arranged such that an average voltage on the input line is maintained above a predetermined level during use of the control arrangement.

Abstract: A method for chemically reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) with a red mud catalyst composition is provided includes introducing a gaseous mixture of CO2 and H2 into a reactor containing particles of the red mud catalyst composition. The method further includes reacting at least a portion of the CO2 and H2 in the gaseous mixture in the presence of the red mud catalyst composition at a temperature of 200 to 800° ° C., and under a pressure ranging from 5 to 100 bar to form a gaseous product including a chemical reduction product of the CO2. A volume ratio of the CO2 to the H2 in the gaseous mixture is in a range of 1:10 to 10:1.

Abstract: An electrical conversion apparatus for use in current shaping comprising at least two capacitors connected in series between first and second lines, a first diode connected in parallel across the first capacitor, a second diode connected in parallel across the second capacitor, and a constant current device connected in series with the first and second capacitors.

Abstract: A DC-DC conversion scheme is described and includes a main inductor connected in series with a first circuit leg and a second circuit leg, the first and second circuit legs being arranged in parallel with one another. Each circuit leg includes a first inductor, a second inductor and a third inductor arranged in series with a primary switch, a first switched ground connection being connected to a location between the first and second inductors, and a second switched ground connection being connected to a location between the second and third inductors. The first, second and third inductors of the first and second legs are wound upon a common core.

Abstract: Examples described herein relate to apparatus and methods for managing rewards for a customer of a financial institution, including but not limited to, determining a transaction pattern associated with transactions made by the customer, determining a deviation from the transaction pattern, determining an event associated with the customer based on the deviation, and determining rewards that correspond to the event for the customer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a gate structure over a corner segment of a semiconductor region. A structure according to the disclosure includes a semiconductor region within a substrate. The semiconductor region includes a first edge, a second edge oriented perpendicularly to the first edge, and a first corner segment connecting the first edge to the second edge. A first gate structure extends over the first edge, and entirely covers the first edge and the first corner segment of the semiconductor region.

Abstract: A method for chemically reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) with a red mud catalyst composition is provided includes introducing a gaseous mixture of CO2 and H2 into a reactor containing particles of the red mud catalyst composition. The method further includes reacting at least a portion of the CO2 and H2 in the gaseous mixture in the presence of the red mud catalyst composition at a temperature of 200 to 800° C., and under a pressure ranging from 5 to 100 bar to form a gaseous product including a chemical reduction product of the CO2. A volume ratio of the CO2 to the H2 in the gaseous mixture is in a range of 1:10 to 10:1.